SOUTHERN MARYLAND — The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Maryland EMS Stars of Life Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions by emergency responders, hospital staff and citizens across the state — including those serving in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
Each year, MIEMSS honors individuals and teams who demonstrate lifesaving actions, innovation and leadership within Maryland’s emergency medical system. Award categories include Citizen Star of Life, EMS Star of Life, EMS Clinician of the Year, Maryland EMS–Children Award, Leon Hayes Award for Lifetime Excellence in EMS and EMS Program Innovation of the Year.
Nominations are open for incidents or efforts occurring between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025, and must be submitted by Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. Award recipients will be recognized during EMS Week in May 2026.
Southern Maryland’s Recent Honorees Show What The Awards Represent
Southern Maryland has a strong history of producing award-winning emergency responders whose teamwork and dedication save lives every year.
2025 – Maryland Star of Life Award
In May 2025, the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services, working alongside the Maryland State Police – Aviation Command, Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad and Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, received the Maryland Star of Life Award for their Nov. 6, 2024, response to a vehicle collision involving a 16-year-old male.
Their coordinated actions — including immediate trauma care, advanced life support and rapid air transport to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center — were credited with saving the teen’s life.
2023 – Charles County DES 9-1-1 Fire/EMS Communications Center
In 2023, MIEMSS honored the Charles County Department of Emergency Services 9-1-1 Fire/EMS Communications Center with the Outstanding EMS Program award for implementing an innovative approach to reducing death and disability in the prehospital care field.
These examples highlight how first responders across Southern Maryland continue to set the standard for excellence in emergency medical care — from dispatch to rescue to hospital coordination.
Southern Maryland residents and EMS professionals are encouraged to nominate a deserving colleague, team or community member whose actions made a lifesaving difference in 2025.
Visit the MIEMSS website to submit nominations before Feb. 1, 2026.
·
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
